I wonder how successful those books actually were. A title will lead me to pick up a book. I don't particularly care for quirky, but I do enjoy a play on words, and one that gives an essence of what's inside. It's what's inside the book that'll get me to purchase it once I've picked it up. So that title is an important first step.

The quirky books titles don't usually grab me, though I am one who enjoys inventive titles. However, I prefer the quirkiness in chapter titles and a book title that is straight-foward, simple, or describes the book. My preferences are titles like the THE ROAD, THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA, or THE GRAPES OF WRATH. If the title sounds too obscure or that it might be about something other than what it is about I will tend to look past it.

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Assuming the book is shelved with the spine showing, the title is the first thing that attracts me. Some titles I remember. Most I forget, like Laura. I like titles that I don't really know what they mean until I finish the book. Then I can go 'oh yeah.' And I like when I relate them on more than one level to the book.

Eccentric titles are going to give me a giggle, but I certainly wouldn't choose the book because of them. Curiosity might get me to pick it off the shelf - but what's written on the inside flap is going to sway me far more than any title.

I like titles that give me a hint about the content of the book, and that are cathcy and memorable. I'm struggling now to think of some (obviously they weren't that memorable!) but if I come up with anything I'll let you know!

One title that I liked and (sort of) remember is:If I'd Killed Him When I Met Him. The reason I seem to only sort of remember it is because I thought the full title (until I looked it up) was:If I'd Killed Him When I Met Him, I'd Be out of Jail by Now.

I love a really quirky title IFF it is on a really quirky book. Otherwise it annoys me. Tom Robbins with things like 'By the Side of the Road in Frog Pajamas' for instance is good, and Robbins' writing can carry it.

In other cases, almost exclusively, I prefer a title that only HINTS at the action--one that is appropriate, but that you might need to read the book to know why. Anything too explicit and *yawn*

Angel Sometimes by Helen Ginger

Angel Sometimes

Helen Ginger

Helen is the author of five books: three non-fiction, a short story anthology and a contemporary fiction, Angel Sometimes. She maintains an informational and interactive blog for writers and a weekly e-newsletter that has been going out to subscribers around the globe for thirteen years. She is an owner-partner and Women’s Marketing Director for Legends In Our Own Minds®, which specializes in creative networking opportunities for companies and groups.